Why go to graduate school?

  • It is an exciting and rewarding experience to advance your field


  • Potential job potential:
    • More career opportunities
    • Salary is commensurate with education/experience (BUT not guaranteed)
    • Networking opportunities


  • Avoid the “real” world
    • potentially work abroad!


  • However:
    • Work can be challenging and stressful
    • Time commitment: 2-7 years (postdoc another 3-6 years)
    • Different people have different graduate experiences

Masters degree versus Ph.D.

  • Schools may offer M.S., Ph.D. or both
    • coursework, research only or both


  • What type of job do you want?


  • Think about your timeline:
    • some programs can role a MS to a Ph.D.
  • Masters programs are typically less competitive


  • Good option if you:
    • Are trying to decide if research is right for you
    • Need to establish a stronger application for PhD
    • Don’t want to commit to 5-7 years

To thesis or not to thesis?


  • Some Masters programs require an original research project and written thesis


  • Thesis: essentially an expanded primary scientific paper


  • Many jobs will favor (or require) research experience


  • A non-thesis Masters program typically requires less time and is not dependent on successful research results
    • specific for certain fields
    • teaching, career advancement
    • additional prep for Vet, Med school

Graduate school application requirements

  • Applications typically open in the fall (Sept. 1) with deadlines starting in December
    • often new grants create positions at other times


  • Application form: CV, personal details, academic transcripts, test results, and names of references
    • Academic transcripts: Official versus unofficial
    • Application fees: ~50-85$


  • Personal statement: Critical piece of writing that reflects on your reasons for wanting to study at the chosen program.
    • Blend of your relevant personal and professional experience
    • Indication of how you hope to benefit from the program of study.


  • Letters of recommendation: 2-3 people who you have a good relationship with who can speak positively to your abilities as a student and researcher.


  • Some application (Ph.D.) may require a writing sample

Not so secret tip….



  • Research experience: the single most important thing you can do to improve your application aside from grades.




  • Research with a faculty member demonstrates sustained interest in science, forms personal relationships for letters of recommendation, and develops your research skills and experiences

The graduate record exam (GRE)



  • Used to be required for admission, but many science graduate schools are moving away from it.
    • slow change, check your schools of interest
    • not needed internationally


  • Three part exam that measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills


  • There are also subject tests (generally not required)
    • biology, chemistry, physics

Undergraduate course choice


  • The Shepherd biology curriculum is designed to meet requirements for entrance into graduate / professional school


  • The more rigorous the undergraduate program, the better
    • Biomedical sciences: calculus, organic chemistry, cell, genetics, developmental biology, biochemistry
    • Ecological sciences: field courses (herpetology, ornithology, plants and humanity, etc.), statistics


  • Some graduate schools require specific undergraduate courses
    • Visit the web pages of schools you are interested in and check for specific requirements

Picking a program: Academic considerations

  • Select schools with active research programs
    • Look up faculty member publications on Google scholar—are they publishing regularly?
    • Look at faculty webpage for student histories


  • Larger programs typically have more advanced equipment and more research and funding options


  • Bigger does not always mean better!!!!!
    • Experts in a particular field can be at any university


  • University may have more than one program appropriate to your interests:
    • Different departments = separate graduate programs
    • Biomedical sciences often grouped together into umbrella programs: you indicate your particular interest (these are often tied to medical schools)

Picking a program: Academic considerations


  • Scientific interest—are there faculty there doing research you are interested in?
    • join a list serve or search them weekly (in your field)


  • Will another degree help you obtain your career goals?
    • a bachelor degree is not longer “special”


  • Wills a advanced degree guarantee more money in your field?
    • great salary vs fewer advanced opportunities


  • Are you willing to re-locate?
    • Grad programs/mentors are unique and often require moving


  • Can you succeed with a family?
    • lots of factors


  • Do you have the time? Grad school always results in a delay of ‘normal’ pay

Finding a faculty mentor

  • Divide between biomedical and ecological sciences graduate programs:
    • Biomedical: typically apply to a departmental or umbrella program before speaking to any faculty members
    • Ecology: you must email potential mentors ahead of time to discuss the possibility of working with them.
    • You can always email the director of the graduate program to ask how best to approach this


  • Be specific in your application about your scientific interests
    • do they align with the mentor’s?


  • In Ph.D. programs, you may do short rotations through different labs to find the right fit for your interests and goals

Debunking Grad School Myths: Funding

  • Typically, tuition in biology graduate programs is waived


  • You often receive a small stipend from the university


  • This assistance typically comes from:
    • Teaching assistantships (labs)
    • Research Assistantships: Supported by mentor grant
    • Fellowships or Training Grants (NIH/NSF)


  • Outside funding sources:
    • Pre-doctoral fellowship (NSF/NIH)
    • Private foundation fellowships
  • Broadly, you should NOT pay to go to grad school
    • exception: non-thesis masters

Finding schools and programs

  • Simply search websites of universities in a geographic area


  • Talk to professors—there are often field-specific considerations
    • Some schools specialize in particular research areas
    • network!!!



  • Be resourceful, these programs rarely recruit


  • Start a science twitter and follow your field

The interview visit

  • Top applicants will typically be invited for a 1-2 day interview
    • may or may not be final selections


  • Here, you will talk with professors and graduate students to find out about:
    • Student expectations
    • Financial support
    • Research space and equipment
    • Setting and local area
    • Social life
    • Course work required for degree
    • Preliminary or qualifying examinations – When? How?
    • Inter-relationships (within and between labs)


  • This style of interview is usually pretty fun!

Dr. C’s final thoughts